More Test Drives: '10 & '11 Infiniti G37S & G37xS sedans

[Driv200]

Before you say "Buy Already", I am waiting for Hyundai dealers here to get 2011's in with the right color combinations:

Drove a Infiniti G37S and the all wheel drive G37xS. WOW!!! The S designates these as sport models, adding larger brakes, shift paddles, sport tires/rims etc...... This threw me for a loop because I had not planned on comparing this car to my future Genesis 4.6 purchase. I was blown away on these cars, which were also optioned with the "anniversary red leather". Clearly for me, they were more a "drivers" car and centered around a sporty driving interest. Quick steering, sharper response. Also, not as quiet and not as large as the Genesis. The similar sticker price of $45,000 made for the comparison.

So, I loved the Infiniti's. Took wife to see Genesis today for her first time just after the Infiniti test drive. Clearly, Genesis is a different car.....but I had to ask myself if I thought the Genesis was boring compared to the Infiniti??? I kind of thing so....but I already love the Genesis for what it is!

End of day: Infiniti 2010 is same price as 2011 Genesis, Infiniti takes premium, Infiniti is smaller car, noisier car, less options, and a great car. But for my smarter pennies, I have to go Genesis still.

Owners chime in: "Do you get bored or tired of the Genesis after you buy it?" I wish there was a sport model with tuned suspension and shift paddles available.

 

[mike02ss]

I also considered the g37s but in the end i bought the genesis. Infiniti was to me not as classy looking and not enough backseat room. Both are nice cars just two different cars and to each his own.

 

[msitter]

I came out of a 400 hp GTO to the Genesis 4.6. I find the Genesis to be almost as quick as the GTO, more economical, much more comfortable and quieter. I looked at the Infiniti G models but with the sunroof and the seat at the lowest position, my head rubbed on the ceiling. Infiniti has a bulletproof rep but horrible deprecition. Current year G37's can be found in the high $20k to low $30k with less than 4000 miles on them. Best value is a CPO car as you get full warranty and the first owner takes the bath. In all the G is a very good car but the Genesis has considerably more space in it for passengers especially in back where the G is light on legroom. The Genesis is probably as quick as a G37, it just goes about it quietly. I am very happy with my choice.

 

[scottdk]

The Genesis does not get boring for myself. I put a lip spoiler, and painted the silver on the grill body color (black) for a more agressive look. My MagnaFlow exhaust gives the car a great tone and rumble, something the G can't offer with the V6, but it is a great car. I was interested in the G before the Genesis, but I thought I'd fit in too easily with the G, and I wanted the Genesis for the V8, not to mention all the goodies and warranty.

Next January will be the 2 year aniversery, and I'm stilled thrilled to own this car.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Yeah, I kinda agree on a few points about the Genesis.

If Hyundai found a way to add a true Sport Package onto the Genesis, give it a tigher suspension, paddles, some big, strong brakes, it could really be the nail in the coffin for some buyers looking for a budget full-size sport sedan..

 

[robthoke]

You are comparing apples to oranges. If you want to compare Infiniti to Genesis, you need to compare the M Class Infiniti. After you set that up with everything the Genesis offers, look at your price point. Over $50K with the Infiniti. The G Class was built to be a decent sports sedan competing against the 3 Series BMWs. With that it has done extremely well and actually beaten BMW a few years in testings.

 

[waveman]

You are comparing apples to oranges. If you want to compare Infiniti to Genesis, you need to compare the M Class Infiniti. After you set that up with everything the Genesis offers, look at your price point. Over $50K with the Infiniti. The G Class was built to be a decent sports sedan competing against the 3 Series BMWs. With that it has done extremely well and actually beaten BMW a few years in testings.

Agree. The Infiniti G and the Genesis are comparable on price more than anything. I drive a G35 and test drove a Genesis 4.6 yesterday. The Gs, especially the S versions, are sport models all the way. The Genesis tries to blend comfortable touring, power, and handling. I still have a lot of testing to do, but based on my initial experience, it succeeds remarkably well at its price point. I plan to look at the Infiniti M and the Equus out of curiosity, though both are considerably more than I want to spend.

 

[3 tons]

The Infinity is a great car, but I found it geared to a different audience...The interior is well done, but a bit claustrophobic when compared to grown-up Genesis (width and back seat). Also I found the floating (with steering column) instrument cluster an interesting idea but the execution somewhat unsightly as it transitions out of the dash. The always present engine noise is 'boy-racer' healthy sounding, but could might grow old as it's song constantly permeates into the cockpit. As others have said, the Genesis better compares to the 'M' series. JMHO...

Best Regards,

3 tons

 

[3 tons]

We drove the g 37 and found it to be a great car, but with a couple of minor nuances...

1) The interior was very well finished, but a bit claustrophobic (narrow & small backseat).

2) The floating instrument pod was interesting, but didn't seem to transition smoothly into the dash.

3) The engine's healthy growl was most assertive, but this 'boy-racer' sensation relentlessly permeated it's way into the cockpit (I'm quite sure by design...). I felt that this ruckus might grow a bit old after a year or two.

Thus, I concur with others that the Genesis compares better with the less aggressive M series...

I also drove the Acura TSX, though FWD (hardly noticible) a worthy contender, closely executed to the g's character. Also similar was the A4, another great car but way low on value ($$).

The Genesis, we drove last, and having done so know that overall it was a cut above this bunch (think M series). Now after about 2 wks and over 1,100 miles of varied driving, we both just beam with joy!!

Best Regards,

3 tons

 

[Driv200]

Just drove a 2010 Chrysler 300 S. This is yet another special edition of this car. It's the Sport edition at $41,000. Hemi V8(360HP) that goes to 4 cylinders for ECO mode. Sport tuned suspension and big fluffy bolster interior with a huge stereo and sub. All the goodies. Drove it. Loved it. Was offered car at $34,000. Got payment to $515 @ 60 months. I could do it and be happy, but still think my smart money is on the 2011 Genesis. The Chrysler is a year old day one and new body style comes out next month. Am I crazy for going with the more expensive Genesis? Hope not.

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[dg_moore]

Buy the Genesis - you won't be sorry (or buy the Chrysler, regret the purchase, unload it and then buy a Genesis .) Hint: the latter will cost a lot more.

 

[Driv200]

Ha! Hoping my deal goes as planned tomorrow, I will be in a Genesis this time tomorrow.